How Much Does a Renovation Permit Cost in Montreal?

In Montreal, a renovation permit is the City’s formal authorization to carry out certain construction or renovation work on a residential or commercial property. Many homeowners underestimate how permit fees are calculated — or assume they’re flat — which can create surprises once an application is submitted.

This guide explains how renovation permit costs work in Montreal, including how fees are calculated, when minimums apply, which renovations require a permit, and how borough rules affect timelines and pricing. It also walks through the application process, required documents, and the real consequences of starting construction without approval.

If you’re planning a home renovation in Montreal, this article will help you budget accurately and avoid delays, fines, or stop‑work orders.

What Are the Typical Renovation Permit Costs in Montreal?

Renovation permit fees in Montreal are usually calculated based on the declared value of the renovation project. The City applies a rate per $1,000 of construction value and compares that amount to a minimum permit fee set by the borough. You are charged whichever amount is higher.

This structure ensures that:

• Smaller renovation projects still cover basic administrative and inspection costs

• Larger renovations scale proportionally with project value

Because boroughs set their own minimums and fee schedules, two similar renovation projects can result in different permit costs depending on location, zoning, and property type.

How Is the Renovation Permit Fee Calculated in Montreal?

The calculation itself is consistent across Montreal, even though the exact rate varies by borough.

Basic formula: Permit fee = (declared project value ÷ 1,000) × borough rate If this result is lower than the borough’s minimum fee, the minimum applies.

Using the current borough rate is important — relying on outdated examples often leads to underestimating costs.

Example Calculations (Illustrative)

Project type	Declared renovation value	Estimated fee method
Bathroom renovation	$30,000	(30 ÷ rate) → compared to minimum
Kitchen renovation	$75,000	(75 ÷ rate) → compared to minimum
Basement renovation or extension	$200,000	(200 ÷ rate) → compared to minimum

Declared value usually includes labour, materials, demolition, structural work, plumbing, ventilation, and any changes to walls, floors, or ceilings. Accurately declaring scope helps avoid questions during review.

Hypothetical Example: Estimating the Total Permit Cost

Here’s a simplified example to show how the calculation works in practice.

A homeowner is planning a kitchen renovation in Montreal with a declared construction value of $75,000. The borough charges a hypothetical rate of $8 per $1,000 of construction value, with a minimum permit fee of $250.

• $75,000 ÷ 1,000 = 75

• 75 × $8 = $600

• Compare to the minimum fee ($250)

Because $600 is higher than the minimum, the estimated renovation permit cost would be $600.

If the same borough applied the same rate to a smaller $20,000 bathroom renovation:

• $20,000 ÷ 1,000 = 20

• 20 × $8 = $160

• Since $160 is below the minimum, the permit fee would be $250
  

This is why smaller renovations often end up paying the minimum fee, while larger renovation or construction projects scale with total project value.

Note: Rates and minimum fees vary by borough and may change over time. Always confirm current figures with your local borough before submitting an application.

Minimum Permit Fees for Residential and Commercial Projects

Minimum permit fees exist to cover basic review and inspection costs, even for small renovations.

• Residential permits typically have lower minimums

• Commercial permits usually have higher minimums due to safety, accessibility, and occupancy requirements

For small residential projects, the minimum fee often becomes the final cost. For larger renovations, the rate‑based calculation usually exceeds the minimum.

Splitting work into multiple permits to reduce fees often increases inspection requirements and delays, so it’s rarely worth it.

Which Renovations Require a Permit in Montreal?

In Montreal, renovation permits are required for most work that affects:

• Structural elements

• Building safety

• Occupancy or dwelling classification

• Exterior appearance regulated by zoning or urban planning

Renovations That Typically Require a Permit

• Structural work on load‑bearing walls, beams, columns, or foundations

• Basement renovations involving layout changes or ceiling height

• Kitchen or bathroom renovations that relocate plumbing

• Additions, garages, decks, balconies, porches, or sheds

• Window or door replacements that change dimensions

• Exterior cladding, roof modifications, or demolition

These projects often require drawings prepared by an architect or engineer, especially when structural integrity or building‑code compliance is involved.

Are There Renovations That Do Not Require a Permit?

Yes — purely cosmetic renovations are often exempt, provided they do not affect structure, safety, or use.

Examples include:

• Painting, flooring, and ceiling finishes

• Replacing cabinets without changing layout

• Replacing sinks, bathtubs, or fixtures in the same location

• Minor repairs that restore existing conditions

  
  

Exemptions can disappear in condominiums, heritage areas, or when exterior elements are involved. In some boroughs, permit requirements are much stricter — a permit may be required for almost any type of work. For example, in Côte-Saint-Luc, even minor interior work such as a drywall patch can require a permit. When in doubt, always confirm with your borough before starting to avoid enforcement issues later.

How to Apply for a Renovation Permit in Montreal (Step by Step)

Below is a practical, real-world sequence that matches how most boroughs process renovation permit applications in Montreal.

• Confirm Whether a Permit Is Required Call or check your borough’s permit page and confirm whether your renovation type needs a permit (especially for exterior work, structural changes, decks/balconies, window/door dimension changes, or anything affected by zoning or heritage rules).

  
  

• Confirm the Project Scope and Declared Value Define exactly what is included (demolition, structural work, plumbing, ventilation, finishes, etc.) and estimate the total construction value you’ll declare. This affects the permit fee calculation.

  
  

• Gather the Required Documents Assemble the borough’s required items before submitting — most delays come from missing or unclear documents. Typical examples include a certificate of location (when exterior or zoning is involved), plans/drawings, a written scope of work, and owner authorization if a contractor is applying.

  
  

• Prepare Your Plans in the Right Format Ensure drawings are legible, properly scaled, and consistent (plan + elevation details if needed). If professional seals are required (architect/engineer), confirm they are included before submission.

  
  

• Submit the Application Through the Correct Channel Submit via the borough’s online portal when available, or file in person at the borough permit counter if required for your project type. Follow file size and format rules to avoid administrative rejection.

  
  

• Pay the Fees and Keep Proof of Submission Pay the application/permit fees as requested and keep confirmation (receipt, file number, or reference ID). You’ll need this to track your application.

  
  

• Respond Quickly to Review Comments If the borough requests clarifications or revised drawings, respond as quickly as possible. Consolidate changes so the reviewer gets one clean update instead of multiple partial submissions.

  
  

• Receive the Permit Before Starting Work Do not begin construction until the permit is issued. Once approved, follow any conditions listed on the permit.

  
  

• Post the Permit and Plan for Inspections Post the permit on site if required and schedule inspections at the required stages (for example, structural stages or safety-related work). Missing inspections can delay project close-out.

A complete, organized submission — with clear plans and the right documents — is the most reliable way to avoid weeks of back-and-forth during review.

Common Documents Required for Permit Applications

Document	When it’s required
Certificate of location	Exterior work, zoning, footprint changes
Architectural drawings	Structural or major interior renovations
Written scope of work	All renovation permits
Owner authorization	When someone applies on the owner’s behalf
RBQ licence information	Regulated trades or commercial projects

Clear drawings, readable PDFs, and consistent file naming significantly reduce review time.

Online Vs In‑person Permit Applications

Many Montreal boroughs offer online permit portals, which simplify submission, payment, and tracking. In‑person applications can still be helpful for first‑time applicants, complex renovation projects, or large‑format drawings.

Technical issues — unsupported file types, oversized attachments, or missing signatures — are a common cause of rejection.

How Permit Costs Vary by Borough and Property Type

Permit costs and timelines vary due to borough‑specific bylaws, heritage or urban‑planning overlays, residential versus commercial classification, and condominium regulations.

Commercial renovation projects usually involve higher minimum fees, more inspections, and stricter building‑code requirements. Mixed‑use properties may require combined reviews.

Consequences of Renovating Without a Permit in Montreal

Starting construction without a required permit can lead to stop‑work orders, administrative fines, orders to correct or demolish non‑compliant work, and insurance or resale complications.

In many cases, correcting unpermitted work after the fact costs significantly more than applying properly from the start.

Permit Renewals, Extensions, and Delays

Permits have validity periods and conditions. Extensions usually require a written request before expiry, updated timelines, and revised drawings if the scope changed.

Early communication with the borough helps prevent work stoppages.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Renovation Permit in Montreal?

Processing times vary widely. Simple residential permits may take a few weeks, while structural, commercial, or heritage‑related permits can take several months.

Complete documentation, professional drawings, and prompt responses to reviewer questions are the most effective ways to shorten timelines.

How to Track or Speed Up a Permit Application

You can reduce delays by using online permit portals, booking pre‑submission consultations, submitting a concise cover letter, and coordinating responses between your contractor, architect, and engineer.

Clear communication and organized documentation reduce back‑and‑forth and prevent files from being re‑queued.

Need Help Navigating Renovation Permits in Montreal?

The MTL Contractors Team

If you’re planning a renovation and want to make sure permits, zoning, and inspections are handled properly, working with an experienced Montreal general contractor can save time and prevent costly mistakes.

MTL Contractors helps homeowners plan renovations that comply with borough rules, building‑code requirements, and permit conditions — before work starts. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or planning a larger construction project, we help coordinate the process so approvals and timelines stay on track.

If you have questions about whether a permit is required or how the process applies to your property, you can contact MTL Contractors to discuss your renovation in Montreal and next steps.